Top safety scores for Tesla, Kia and MG in latest ANCAP tests

Three new electric vehicles have earned five-star ratings in the latest round of independent crash testing by ANCAP, with the revised Tesla Model 3 leading the charge.

The updated Model 3, covering all units built from September 2023, demonstrated strong performance across key crash test categories, scoring 90% for Adult Occupant Protection. It received full marks in the side impact and oblique pole tests, and achieved “good” results in the frontal offset test for most body regions. However, some areas were rated as “adequate”.

The latest Model 3s now include a centre airbag between the front seats and an active bonnet system. The centre airbag received full points in far-side impact testing, providing effective occupant-to-occupant protection, while the active bonnet system also operated as intended.

Tesla’s mid-size sedan also notched up a record-breaking 95% score for Child Occupant Protection under current testing protocols, earning maximum points in both frontal offset and side impact tests. A standard child presence detection system across all variants contributed to this record result.

Strong crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies helped the Model 3 achieve 89% for Vulnerable Road User Protection—another record high—while its Safety Assist score came in at 88%.

“The upgraded Tesla Model 3 has delivered standout results for child occupant and vulnerable road user protection, making it a reassuring choice for families,” ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg says.

Kia EV3 continues safety streak

Kia’s all-electric EV3 also achieved a five-star rating, continuing the brand’s strong showing alongside the larger EV5 and EV9 models.

Adult Occupant Protection was rated at 83%, with “adequate to good” protection observed for all critical body regions of front seat occupants. The EV3 scored top marks in full-width frontal and side impact tests.

Child Occupant Protection came in at 86%, with maximum points awarded for side impact performance and strong results across most critical areas.

The EV3 also achieved 78% for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 81% for Safety Assist, with its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system performing effectively in test scenarios.

“Following in the footsteps of the larger EV9 and EV5 models, the Kia EV3 has demonstrated the brand’s continued prioritisation of safety for its Australian and New Zealand customers,” Hoorweg says.

MG’s new EV gets the thumbs up

MG’s upcoming S5 EV, due to arrive in New Zealand mid-year, has also secured a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Adult Occupant Protection was rated at 90%, with adequate or good results recorded across frontal offset, oblique pole, and full-width frontal crash tests. It achieved maximum points in the side impact assessment.

Child Occupant Protection was scored at 86%, with solid performance in both frontal and side impact crash tests.

The S5 EV earned 82% for Vulnerable Road User Protection, although its AEB system was rated as only “marginal” for motorcyclists and during reversing scenarios. Safety Assist scored 79%.

After a string of lacklustre results for MG in previous tests, “the addition of this new five-star model is encouraging,” Hoorweg says.